Name: Chipotle Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup coffee grounds; 1/4 cup minced thyme; 1/4 cup minced rosemary; 2 Tbsp chipotle chili powder; 1 Tbsp pepper; 1 Tbsp kosher salt; 2 frenched racks of lamb (approximately 2-3 lbs); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well); 1/2 cup beef stock; 2 Tbsp butter; 1 tsp freshly chopped rosemary; Salt & pepper

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Chipotle Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb is a smoky, savory stunner of an entree that’s doused in an easy red wine sauce. The crust locks in all the juiciness of the meat, and you’ll be shocked just how easy it is to create. It makes for an amazing Spring dinner, especially for Easter!

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Rack of lamb is an indulgence that I love to give into at least once a year, if not twice.

I remember the first time I made rack of lamb was years ago when my blog was just a wee nugget of an idea.

There was a lot of Iron Chef America episodes going on in the background of my work-from-home days at that time. I kept seeing hearing about rack of lamb this and rack of lamb that.

Obviously, I felt the need to accept the challenge the universe was giving me and make it for myself. I threw together a simple savory herb crust with what I had in the kitchen. WOWZA, it was pure perfection.

It just so happens it was the star dish of a wedding I catered up in the mountains on Christmas Eve one year later.

Trust me when I say, it went over oh-so well. I still get messages today about people trying it at Christmas or Easter.

This year, I wanted to shake things up with a different crust for my racks of lamb. I’ve been super into chipotle spices lately, so I reached for chipotle chili powder, coffee grounds, and fresh herbs for this rub.

It makes for a smoky and savory combination that really brings something extra to the party.

Then you get the red wine sauce for a little added richness and tang.

All together, it’s a masterpiece of meaty goodness that you will not be able to stop eating.

Not to mention it is SUPER easy – all you have to do is keep an eye on the internal temperature of the racks, removing them at just the right point.

Just don’t forget to let the racks rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing! You want all those juices to stay in there and keep the meat extra melt-in-your-mouth tasty.

If you need more lamb recipes, check out the following favorites:

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce

Ancho Chili Rubbed Leg of Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce

And if you are looking for a cocktail to pair with this lamb, an espresso martini is an excellent pairing to bring out those coffee notes.

If you are serving this tasty lamb dish for Easter, consider kicking things off with an Easter charcuterie board for a festive celebration. Don’t forget some fudgy and moist Easter brownies for dessert!

This Recipe’s Must-Haves

To make the rub, I use one of these stackable Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls. They are super affordable, yet really durable.

Whenever it comes to using a cast iron skillet, you’ll see me reaching for this Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet. This one is my fave color – red, duh – but they come in all the colors you could think of!

My favorite set of tongs are these Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch Click-Lock Sit Up Tongs. They sit up on the counter when you set them down. So you don’t have to worry about making a mess!

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